Ghatam is a large
earthenware pot with a mouth of about four to five inches diameter. There is no
membranous covering for the mouth. It is very widely used in South Indian
classical Carnatic music performances. This instrument is played squatting
on the floor. There are two actions of resonance. The primary one is the ringing
of the pot caused by striking the body with fingers. A very low resonance
produced by the cavity. This pitch is raised or lowered by opening or closing
the mouth with the stomach of the player.